About Us

Distinguished State Boarding School

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School (An Academy with Military Traditions) is a distinguished state boarding school for eleven to eighteen year olds.

A Board of Governors appointed by the Adjutant General governs the school.  The Chairman and members are drawn up form top management positions in the services, education, civil service, industry and professions.

The Patron is His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent.  Day to day management is the responsibility of the Headmaster, who is supported by a Senior Leadership Team in managing the boarding school.

 

Laying the Foundation Stone

In 1801, His Royal Highness, Frederick Duke of York laid the foundation stone in Chelsea of what was to become the Duke of York’s Royal Military School.  Originally it was an orphanage for children of soldiers killed in battle which could not be further from a royal military academy but it was Britain’s first coeducational state funded and state administered school.

The first boys and girls entered the school in 1803 and in 1909 it moved to its present location in Dover.  The school’s own museum tells part of the rich history.

Whilst at the forefront of educational excellence, preparing its pupils for the needs of tomorrow, the school retains its strong Christian ethos and a ceremonial tradition from its military past.

 

Pride and Self-Discipline

Our Military Heritage encourages a great sense of pride and self-discipline, and enhances teamwork and leadership skills.  As a military school we have a very active Tri-Service Combined Cadet Force, which amongst other things enables pupils to learn how to fly, to sail, to shoot and to take part in adventurous training, camps and a wide variety of external courses.

The spectacular ceremonial side of the school involves ceremonial parades throughout the year, culminating in Grand Day.